Advanced paternal age how does it affect fertility and pregnancy related outcomes?

Abstract

When compared to maternal age, paternal age has not attracted the same attention throughout history. Advanced paternal age has been sometimes incriminated as a possible factor that can affect pregnancy and its outcomes. In this review, we discuss the effect of paternal age on fertility, miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities, congenital anomalies, perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopmental disorders. In fact, advanced paternal age is associated with decreased semen quality leading to lower pregnancy rates, longer time to conception, and a higher number of miscarriages. Additionally, an increase in the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as congenital anomalies and preeclampsia, is reported when the father's age is advanced. However, no significant effect on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or the risk of trisomies, is confirmed. © 2018 Lebanese Order of Physicians. All rights reserved.